DOZENS of shoppers have been evacuated from Southampton’s WestQuay Shopping Centre this afternoon.

Some residents said the fire alarm went off at about 2.15pm although staff have refused to confirm what the reason was.

Shoppers have now been allowed back into the building.

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service say they were not called out.

A West Quay spokesman said: "The centre was evacuated following a fire alarm being activated. It was a false alarm, and the centre is now open as usual. We apologise for any inconvenience caused."